my stories

I started this blog as a way to inspire others to get back on track, not only with nutrition, but wellness, family and time management. I am a stay at home mom of 3 and military spouse that started my own business as an online health coach. I needed a way to express myself and organize my life, and this blog was how I have done that.

Getting healthy meals on the table this week has been a stretch. I did the grocery shopping over the weekend, so the fridge would be stocked with all kinds of healthy goodies, but somewhere along the line, I didn't take the time to write out a meal plan. I figured I would just wing it, and use whatever was in the freezer. While this turned out ok, I could have done without the self-imposed anxiety about putting together a healthy, well-balanced concoction.

I think this was my big downfall was this week. I managed to get meals made for the family, but I didn't feel exactly like Betty Crocker. I am not sure why I put this guilt on myself to have to make these amazing creations for my family, in addition to the piles of other things on my to-do list. I've noticed at our dinner table, making something, quick and simple is just as good as something that requires more ingredients and clean up.

I guess I'm lucky that my kids are good eaters and are pretty much happy with anything for dinner, but it doesn't change the fact that I have to prepare and create it. My mental capacity to create has diminished significantly since I have started working from home, and have all the kids constantly at my feet asking for snacks, activities or use of electronics.

I have managed to stave off the urges to pick up the phone and order a pizza, or pick up fast food on the way home from football practice, so I would call that a win for me this week. Lesson learned, I need to prepare myself for the week, before it begins and set myself up for success. Otherwise, too many distractions lead to chaos and since I'm the health compass in this house, it is my responsibility to ensure my self control doesn't reach desperate measures. Also, I am encouraged to show the kids that while eating out is fun and easy, it is not a daily occurrence in this family. It's so easy to fall into that routine in this summer environment of being in the car all the time, play dates, meeting new friends and just having the ease and flexibility of choosing what you want. Not only is it expensive, it can be terribly tempting to veer off of the course of healthy eating. But if the mom stays strong, everyone else will follow suit.

Remember you are the one who makes the choice to take care of yourself so you can be in good mind to give back to your loved ones.No one else is going to do this for you.

simple.healthy.well

I am Eleanor Duelley, a holistic health coach that works with women who struggle with weight loss. I believe that eating whole foods and living a healthy lifestyle will give you the confidence to live your best self. I offer 1-on-1 coaching packages that are designed to get you back on track and keep you there.